The melthouse

Though most inns and stores are capable of getting their own water, the actual residents of Sivien need water as well. The Melthouse is the main water procurement station in Sivien, with several smaller outposts supplying the outskirts of the city or other small parts within the city. The Melthouse holds a reverse-dome shaped roof, which is used to catch falling snow. When the snow meets a certain height, the doors holding it up are opened, which channels it into a large metal pot over a fire, which melts the snow into drinkable water. Citizens may then either pick up the water at the house or they may pay for special anti-freeze piping to be routed to their house, though this is often very expensive, and is only paid for by those who plan to live in Sivien for their entire life or by businesses who would rather pay for the convenience. The antifreeze piping is minor magic created by resident utility wizards, who keep the settlement efficient and operational. The water is also purified by similar technology created by the same wizards, though usually the snowfall is pure enough to do without it, and many smaller outposts do away with this step entirely.